Wine, Craft Beer & Distilling Cheers: Craft Beverages for Every Taste Wet your whistle with amazing libations in Maryland. Maryland didn’t care much for the Prohibition. Indeed, it was the only state that refused to pass legislation pledging state enforcement of the national ban on alcohol production and sales—an outlier, “wet” stance that contributed to the popularity of its nickname, “The Free State.” Today’s booming craft beverage scene builds deliciously on this long love for libations. Touring and tasting opportunities abound. Watch craft beer and spirits being made and then savor them, fresh as can be. With more than 70 craft breweries producing everything from traditional Baltimore pilsners and Belgian-style farm ales to dessert stouts and cask-conditioned classics, suds fans will be hard pressed not to find a new foamy favorite. You’re sure to discover pleasing pints during FeBREWary, Maryland’s official month-long celebration of craft beer. Looking for something stronger? Back in grandad’s day, Maryland’s famous rye whiskey kept America in the best of spirits coast to coast. Today, nearly 20 craft distilleries have the state barreling back into the booze business, turning out tasty rye and a host of other potent potables. Must-Try Maryland Drinks Antietam Brewery in Hagerstown is named for the area’s Civil War battlefield and has a crisp, grapefruity IPA called Little Mac—a nickname for Union General George McClellan. Crabs and beer are a classic Maryland combo and Frederick’s Flying Dog Brewery, the state’s largest beer maker, uniquely unites them with their Deadrise Ale. This summer seasonal is named for a type of crabbing boat and is flavored with Old Bay crab spice. Frederick is also home to three distillers, including McClintlock Distilling Company whose unique Forager Gin is flavored with botanicals inspired by native herbs. The Fiore Winery in Harford County added distilling to their vino business and offerings include limoncello (using an old family recipe) and grappa from their own grapes. Patrons at Denizens Brewing Company in Silver Spring enjoy a choice of ales, Belgians, barrel-aged and sours. Twin Valley Distillers in nearby Rockville bills itself as “Home of Maryland’s Bourbon.” Charm City Sips Baltimore’s Union Craft Brewing named its award-winning flagship beer, the deftly hopped Duckpin Pale Ale, after a homegrown form of bowling. Waverly Brewing, just around the corner from Union, has a quirky cool tasting room and a delicious oyster stout. Monument City Brewing in East Baltimore has an expansive tap room carved out of a historic brick industrial building; their popular 51 Rye IPA has a spicy, citrus bite. Speaking of rye, Baltimore’s Sagamore Spirit makes premium rye whiskey at a beautifully designed, multi-acre distillery complex on the Port Covington waterfront with water from a spring on its namesake Maryland horse farm. The Baltimore Whiskey Company debuts its straight rye whiskey this year and also produces a much-lauded gin and a distinctive smoked apple brandy. Old Line Spirits in East Baltimore makes single malt whiskey with a complex nose of maple, toffee and vanilla. There is also a peated version—an American take on a smoky Scotch. Denizens Brewing Company, Silver Spring 18 ✥ VISITMARYLAND.ORG | 1-877-333-4455 PHOTO: DENIZENS BREWING CO.
Maryland Official Visitors Guide 2018 Maryland Official Visitors Guide: Page 18
